Happy Trails and Tails
As the clouds rolled in and the wind picked up, you could feel it in the air. This was going to be different. Sure there was sunshine and wind and 5 minutes later it was completely cloudy. But if there's one thing I know about Colorado weather, it is that it keeps you humble and reminds you to have patience. The weather was changing every few minutes but this is nothing new. What I was looking forward to was the group meeting me at the trailhead. There was a spot I was hoping to get to, quite a bit further down the trail. Could we make it? Let's see, there would be 2 adults, a 5 year-old and a 1 year-old. Oh and they were bringing their two dogs both of whom have had major surgeries and a combined 24 years of experience walking the trails of Boulder on four legs. Obviously the answer was yes. Because this wasn't just a family I was photographing but one that takes adventure to a whole new level.
Down the trail we went (well actually mostly up the trail) and with each curve of the rocks and with the grasses swaying in the wind, we were one step closer, not just to a spot that is gorgeous but to having an experience. We spent that afternoon on the trails looking for critters big and small, finding treasures (and some poison ivy) and surprisingly no snakes this go-around. I loved it all!
Back to adventures. When I say I'm going on an adventure it typically means attempting to survive the grocery store with two young kids and my sanity still intact. When this beautiful family goes on an adventure, they are most likely backpacking (with their 5 year-old carrying his own pack) 5 miles into the wilderness for an extended camping trip, working hard to protect our natural resources and planet, or going for a run in the mountains that will last 100+ miles (no that is not a typo). You know... regular things.
As we worked our way further up the trail I hoped I could keep up with the kids and dogs and tried my best to not sound winded. I barely pulled this off and somehow managed to make it up and back without a stitch in my side or falling down (too much). Success!
After some photos up and around the foothills of Boulder we headed back toward the trailhead. It being fall and Colorado this meant there were many other photo sessions happening that day...especially senior portraits. Finley studied many of them as we passed and then spontaneously decided that he too wanted senior portraits. After all, kindergarten is the new senior year...before 1st grade. With rocks and water, trails and mountains, we came, we hiked and we prepped a 5 year-old for his senior portraits just a few years away.
